Is this lip filler infected? (Photo)

Question

I had my lips done with hyaluron filler(nor sure which one),3 weeks ago,and everything was fine.This morning i had swelling on right side of my lips and between nose and lips, but just on right side.Could this be infection? And why?I doubt that it's allergic reaction because i have fillers in nose and chin too bt they are not swollen.My doctor is on vacation,and he prescribed me antabiotics, until he gets back and see me in person. But i just wonder if it's infection and what caused it.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear milica001,without an examination it is really hard to tell if is it infected. Generally speaking, infected site should be red, painful on palpation, warm, in more severe cases there might be fever. I would recommend you to continue taking your antibiotics and consult your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

It's difficult to tell from your picture and needs an in-person evaluation. I recommend following up with your Doctor and taking the antibiotics they prescribed. If necessary, this can be reversed with hyaluronidase. It may take a series of treatments. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

It is hard to say if this represents infection or a reaction to the filler. It doesn’t appear to be infected, there is no redness. Vobella has been know to have late swelling and nodules and this might be it. This is usually treated with steroids and often needs to be dissolved. This is an immune related response. You must see your provider to assess. Sometimes eating salty foods can cause some mild swelling but this appears more than that.

Peterson Pierre, MD · Answer

It's very difficult to say for sure based on a photo alone without a proper in-person examination. Infection usually presents as redness, warmth, tenderness, pus. You probably have swelling from your treatment. I would recommend ice, Ibuprofen (with food) but continue with your antibiotics until you see your doctor for a follow-up. Rest assured, the results can always be reversed with hyaluronidase if the need arises.As with all cosmetic procedures, especially when it comes to fillers, the skill of the injector is paramount. Always seek an expert in facial aesthetics, such as a board-certified dermatologist, to maximize results while minimizing side effects.

Jean M. Casello, MD · Answer

It is difficult to say if this is infected or not without seeing and examining you.  Typicallly infection will present as redness, pain, and possible fever and chills. I think it is good to be safe however and continue on the antibiotics until you are evaluated by your doctor.  This could be delayed reaction to the filler. the lips are very vascular and this could just be some swelling.

Chi-Hong Wong, MD, MBBS · Answer

Generally if you have an infection, the site should be painful, red with swelling.  Other possibilities include granulomatous reaction.  If you notice any discharge, remember to see your doctor to take microbiological swabs to confirm presence or absence of any bacteria.  It is difficult to exclude a low grade infection, you may need to be prepared to hylase and dissolve your current filler + take your antibiotics.

Is this lip filler infected? (Photo)

Answers (6)

More Lip Fillers Questions

Broken up, inconsistent lip-line with no defined cupid's bow... fixable or not? (Photo)

My lips are uneven. I have been insecure about this all my life and would love to know if it is fixable? (Photo)

Had Ultra Plus in lips. After swelling went down, looks like there's no filler. Possible that fillers don't work on some people?

Would Kenalog injections reduce the size of my lips which have enlarged due to sucking them?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS